31 Days of Money Saving: One Chicken 2 Meals

One Chicken 2 Meals

Cooking meals at home is not only healthier, but it’s a whole lot more frugal with the family budget too. I don’t know about you, but I love a challenge. When I come across a sale on whole chickens, I like to stock up on them for the freezer, and then find ways to make more than one meal out of each of them.

I’m learning to stretch the budget by learning to stretch a chicken!

Preparation

After you have pulled apart the meat – separate it into two parts. Throw 1/2 of the chicken back into the pot of broth. You may need to strain the broth first to make sure there are no bones or unwanted parts left in it. Season broth with a spoon of coconut oil, red pepper flakes, garlic to taste. We usually only add salt individually. Add a pinch of pepper to broth if everyone likes it.

Meal One – Chicken and Dumplings

This recipe is a great way to stretch a chicken or use bone broth. If you prefer, you can use noodles instead of dumplings.

Ingredients

1 pot broth (or enough cups to feed the family)

1/2 pulled chicken meat

1 onion chopped

4 stalks celery chopped

1 can or 2 cups corn (optional)

2 cups chopped carrots (optional)

1 can biscuits (or 1 cup mix for drop biscuits)

Instructions

Add all ingredients to the pot except biscuits.

Bring to a boil and then turn down the heat to simmer.

Cook uncovered for 30 minutes – 1 hour stirring regularly.

Cut up canned biscuits (you may roll them out flatter or as is)

Drop biscuit pieces into broth

Cover and cook 10 minutes or until dough is cooked.
*Prep time listed does not include chicken boiling and broth making (that adds 30 – 40 min)

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 – 60 minutes

Meal 2 – Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Cook package of noodles or pasta as per directions.

Make cheese sauce:

Use a Tb of olive oil or coconut oil in a pan with a pat of butter – mix in 2-3 Tbs of flour

Add in 1 cup of milk and stir until smooth as possible and then add another cup of milk do same

Add 2 cups of grated cheese – sharp cheddar makes a great sauce

Mix until med thick consistency – salt and pepper

Casserole

Add cheese sauce to the pasta and stir. Mix 2nd half of pulled chicken (see top of post) to the cheesy pasta. Stir together. Add veggies if desired (cooked broccoli is a good choice, or spinach with liquid squeezed out). Pour cheesy chicken and pasta into 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Sprinkle with Durkey onions or smashed Ritz crackers and bake in oven at 350 for 15 – 20 minutes or until onions are browned. Salt and pepper to taste.

About Kelli

Kelli is a barefootin’ – adventure loving – accidental homeschool mom (AdventureHS.com/products). With 3 boys in tow – she travels and speaks to encourage, equip, and teach using unit studies. She loves to share the frugal homeschool life with others. Owner and founder of FrugalMommas.com – Abundant Family Living – On a Budget.

Kelli is a barefootin’ – adventure loving – accidental homeschool mom (AdventureHS.com/products). With 3 boys in tow – she travels and speaks to encourage, equip, and teach using unit studies. She loves to share the frugal homeschool life with others. Owner and founder of FrugalMommas.com – Abundant Family Living – On a Budget.